Fastener and fastener assembly having improved vibrational and tightening characteristics

ABSTRACT

A fastener assembly is provided. The fastener assembly includes a nut having an internally threaded portion and an annulus extending from the nut and configured for receiving the shank of an elongate fastener. A compression collar is configured for deflecting the annulus into at least one of fixed engagement with the shank or to impart a spring bias of the annulus against the compression collar upon tightening of the nut about a working surface.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/802,418 filed on Mar. 13, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,978,932, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/610,651filed on Mar. 14, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/675,192 filed on Jul. 24, 2012, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to a fastener and fastener assembly, and,more particularly, towards a fastener and fastener assembly havingimproved vibrational and tightening characteristics.

BACKGROUND

Fasteners and various fastener assemblies are utilized for securing oneor more articles to one another in a variety of settings includingcommercial, residential, industrial, and the like. These fasteners maybe, for example, a nut and bolt assembly in which a threaded portion ofthe bolt is received within a cooperatively threaded portion of the nut.Nut and bolt assemblies are preferred because of their uniformlyaccepted use, cost-efficient manufacturing, and acceptable performancein a variety of settings.

Conventional nuts and bolts are susceptible to loosening undervibrational and other loads. Many manners have been introduced in orderto combat the vibrational and other forces. For example, some users mayprovide multiple nuts that are tightened against each other in order toincrease the total frictional forces between the nuts and the bolt.Other manners include the use of a split washer having one portionraised relative to the other, i.e. a spring washer, the acts to providea spring bias to absorb vibrational forces acting on the nut.

Still other manners have been provided for increasing the effectivenessof traditional fasteners such as nuts and bolts. For example, fastenershaving multiple-part assemblies have been employed. However, thesefastener assemblies have increased cost and may not always have desiredeffectiveness.

A need therefore exists for a solution that addresses thesedisadvantages.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

Disclosed herein is a fastener assembly. The fastener assembly includesa nut having an internally threaded portion, an annulus extending fromthe nut and configured for receiving the shank of an elongate fastener,and a compression collar configured for deflecting the annulus intofixed engagement with the shank upon tightening of the nut about aworking surface.

According to one or more embodiments, annulus defines a shoulder thatcatches on an internally circumferentially extending rim of thecompression collar.

According to one or more embodiments, the annulus defines a cutoutsection along a length thereof for providing a flex point of the annulusabout the shank for deflection.

According to one or more embodiments, the annulus defines an internallythreaded portion.

According to one or more embodiments, the compression collar defines ataper for applying progressively increasing deflection of the annulus.

According to one or more embodiments, the annulus defines a taper.

According to one or more embodiments, the annulus and nut are coaxiallyaligned.

According to one or more embodiments, the compression collar isconfigured for being compressed between the nut and the working surface.

According to one or more embodiments, a fastener assembly is provided.The fastener assembly includes a nut having an internally threadedportion, an annulus extending from the nut and configured for receivingthe shank of an elongate fastener, and a compression collar configuredfor deflecting the compression annulus to impart a spring bias of theannulus against the compression collar upon tightening of the nut abouta working surface.

According to one or more embodiments, an inner facing surface of theannulus may be free of any threads. In this manner, only a spring forceacts to dissipate vibrations.

According to one or more embodiments, a fastener is provided. Thefastener includes a nut having an internally threaded portion and anannulus extending from the nut and configured for receiving the shank ofan elongate fastener and further configured for being received within acompression collar configured for deflecting the annulus into fixedengagement with the shank upon tightening of the nut about a workingsurface.

According to one or more embodiments, a fastener assembly is provided.The fastener assembly includes an insert defining an opening forreceiving the shank of an elongate fastener, an annulus extending fromthe insert and configured for receiving the shank, and a compressioncollar configured for deflecting the annulus into fixed engagement withthe shank to impart a spring bias of the annulus against the compressioncollar upon tightening of the fastener assembly about a working surfacefor dampening vibration of the fastener assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there isshown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presentlydisclosed invention is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener assembly accordingto one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded side view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top-facing perspective view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom-facing perspective view of a fastenerassembly according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of a fastener assembly accordingto one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a fastener assembly accordingto one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an annulus according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an annulus according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an annulus according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an annulus according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C illustrate a fastener assembly installed about aworking device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 17 illustrates a fastener assembly installed about a workingsurface according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 18 illustrates a fastener assembly installed about a workingsurface according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 19 illustrates a fastener assembly installed about a workingsurface according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 20 illustrates a fastener assembly installed about a workingsurface according to one or more embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed invention is described with specificity to meetstatutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intendedto limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors havecontemplated that the claimed invention might also be embodied in otherways, to include different steps or elements similar to the onesdescribed in this document, in conjunction with other present or futuretechnologies.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fastener assembly according to one ormore embodiments disclosed herein and generally designated 10. Thefastener assembly 10 includes a nut 12 and a compression collar 24 thatmay be carried by the nut 12. The compression collar 24 may have a fixedorientation relative to the nut 12 or may be provided for rotatablemovement therabout. An elongate fastener 20 having a shank 22 may beprovided. The elongate fastener 20 may include a head 18 for providing asurface about which the fastener 20 may be rotated. The head 18 isillustrated as a hex head but may be any appropriately configured shape,size, and configuration.

With further reference to the cross-sectional depiction in FIG. 2, theperspective, exploded depiction in FIG. 3, and the cross-sectionaldepiction in FIG. 4, the nut 12 may further include an internallythreaded portion 14. The internally threaded portion 14 may be a coarse,fine, or other appropriately configured threaded portion. An annulus 16may extend from the nut 12. The annulus 16 may have an internallythreaded portion or may be generally free of a threaded portion asillustrated in FIG. 2. The annulus 16 is configured for receiving theshank 22 of the elongate fastener 20. The annulus 16 may befixedly-engaged with the nut 12 or, alternatively, rotatably orotherwise not fixedly-engaged therewith.

The annulus 16 may define a generally converging taper as illustrated inFIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4. Alternatively, the annulus 16 may define agenerally perpendicularly extending portion from the nut 12.Additionally, the annulus 16 may include or define one or moreadditional characteristics, such as, for example, a nylon insert forproviding an increased frictional coefficient, an adhesive-basedsubstrate for providing increased adherence, one or more grooves ortextures defined on a shank-facing surface, and the like. Acircumferentially extending shoulder 30 may be defined on any portion ofthe annulus 16 and is configured for being received with the compressioncollar 24. The annulus 16 may define a cutout section 34 along a lengththereof for providing a flex point of the annulus 16 about the shank 22.

The compression collar 24 is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 3 andFIG. 4. The compression collar 24 is configured for deflecting theannulus 16 upon tightening of the nut 12 about a working surface asillustrated in FIG. 2. The deflection of the annulus 16 is caused by theinteraction defined about the annulus 16 abutting an inner groove 30 ofthe compression collar 24. The inner groove 30 of the compression collar24 defines a dimension that is smaller than a corresponding diameterdimension of the annulus 16 when the annulus 16 is in an undeflectedstate. The inner groove 30 may define a taper.

The circumferentially extending shoulder 30 of the annulus 16 may beconfigured for being received by a shoulder 32 defined within the innergroove 30 of the compression collar 24. In this manner, the annulus 16may be engaged with the shoulder 32 of the compression collar 24 to forma fastener assembly that is one integral portion. Alternatively, theannulus 16 may have compression and deflection characteristics such thatan operator can press or pinch opposing portions of the annulus 16 andthen position the annulus 16 into the compression collar 24 beforereleasing the annulus 16 into selective engagement with the compressioncollar 24. In one or more embodiments, the inner groove 30 may begenerally converging, diverging, or generally straight in orientation.

The compression of annulus 16 by compression collar 24 upon tighteningof the nut 12 against working surface 26 may be provided for increasingthe vibrational or anti-rotational properties of the annulus 16. Forexample, compression of the annulus 16 may induce a spring biasengagement force between the annulus 16 and the compression collar 24.In this manner, the induced spring bias counteracts vibrational forcesthat may occur during use of equipment and the like that utilizes thefastener assembly 10. Additionally, frictional and other forces may beinduced by engagement of an inner portion of the annulus with the shank22 of the elongate fastener 20. In one or more embodiments, the innerportion may include a threaded portion configured for receiving thethreaded portion of the shank 22.

A fastener sharing some characteristics with fastener 10 is illustratedin FIGS. 5 through 9B and generally designated 110. With particularreference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the fastener assembly 110 includes a nut112 and a compression collar 124 that may be carried by the insert 112.An elongate fastener 120 having a shank 122 may be provided asillustrated in FIG. 7. Similar to fastener 20, the elongate fastener 120may include a head 118 for providing a surface about which the fastener120 may be rotated. The head 118 is illustrated as a hex head but may beany appropriately configured shape, size, and configuration.

With further reference to the cross-sectional depiction in FIG. 7, theperspective exploded depiction in FIG. 8, and the cross-sectionaldepiction in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the insert 112 may further define anopening 114. An annulus 116 may extend from the insert 112. The annulus116 may have an internally threaded portion or may be generally free ofa threaded portion as illustrated in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. The annulus116 is configured for receiving the shank 122 of the elongate fastener120. The annulus 116 may define a generally converging taper asillustrated in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. Alternatively, the annulus 116 maydefine a generally perpendicularly extending portion from the insert112. Additionally, the annulus 116 may include or define one or moreadditional characteristics, such as, for example, a nylon insert forproviding an increased frictional coefficient, an adhesive-basedsubstrate for providing increased adherence, one or more grooves ortextures defined on a shank-facing surface, and the like. Acircumferentially extending shoulder 130 may be defined on any portionof the annulus 16 and is configured for being received with thecompression collar 124. The annulus 116 may define a cutout section 134along a length thereof for providing a flex point of the annulus 116about the shank 122.

The compression collar 124 is illustrated in further detail in FIG. 8.The compression collar 124 is configured for deflecting the annulus 116upon tightening of the insert 112 about a working surface 126 asillustrated in FIG. 7. The deflection of the annulus 116 is caused bythe interaction about the annulus 116 abutting a tapered, inner groove30 of the compression collar 124. The inner groove 130 of thecompression collar 124 defines a dimension that is smaller than acorresponding diameter dimension of the annulus 116 when the annulus 116is in an undeflected state.

The circumferentially extending shoulder 130 of the annulus 116 may beconfigured for being received by a shoulder 132 defined within the innergroove 130 of the compression collar 124. In this manner, the annulus116 may be engaged with the shoulder 132 of the compression collar 124to form a fastener assembly that is one integral portion. Alternatively,the annulus 116 may have a compression and deflection characteristicsuch that an operator can press opposing portions of the annulus 116 andthen position the annulus 116 into the compression collar 124 beforereleasing the annulus 116 into selective engagement with the compressioncollar 124. In one or more embodiments, the inner groove 130 may begenerally converging, diverging, or generally straight in orientation.

The compression of annulus 116 by compression collar 124 upon tighteningof the fastener 110 against working surface 126 may be provided forincreasing the vibrational or anti-rotational properties of the annulus116. For example, compression of the annulus 116 may induce a springbias engagement force between the annulus 116 and the compression collar124. In this manner, the induced spring bias counteracts vibrationalforces that may occur during use of equipment and the like that utilizesthe fastener assembly 110. Additionally, frictional and other forces maybe induced by engagement of an inner portion of the annulus with theshank 122 of the elongate fastener 120. In one or more embodiments, theinner portion may include a threaded portion configured for receivingthe threaded portion of the shank 122.

A fastener sharing some characteristics with fastener 110 is illustratedin FIGS. 10A and 10B and generally designated 210. The fastener assembly210 includes an annulus 216 that extends from a head 218 of fastener220. Fastener 220 may further include a shank 222 that is engaged withhead 218. A recess 224 is defined within a working surface 226 of anarticle to be worked. The recess 224 may be a square cutout as shown ormay define any other appropriate shape. A gap 228 may be defined betweenthe shank 222 and the annulus 216. The head 218 may further define ashoulder 238 that is configured for engaging with the working surface226.

The annulus 216 is configured to have a portion having a size that isgreater than recess 224 in a first, undeflected position. In thismanner, as the fastener 220 is rotated into the working surface 226, theannulus 216 is forced downwardly causing a compression thereof. Thisimparts a spring bias between the annulus 216 and recess 224 in a mannersimilar to that described with fastener 110. A cutout section 234 may beproviding for defining a flex point of the annulus 216.

Similarly, a fastener sharing some characteristics with fastener 210 isillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B and generally designated 310. Thefastener assembly 310 includes an annulus 316 that extends from a head318 of fastener 320. Fastener 320 may further include a shank 322 thatis engaged with head 318. A cutout section 334 may be defined in theannulus 336. A compression collar 324 may be provided similar to collar24 illustrated in FIG. 1. A gap 328 may be defined between the shank 322and the annulus 316. The head 318 may further define a shoulder 338 thatis configured for engaging with the working surface 326.

The annulus 316 is configured to have a portion having a size that isgreater than compression collar 324 in a first, undeflected position. Inthis manner, as the fastener 320 is rotated and travels into the workingsurface 326, the annulus 316 is forced downwardly causing a compressionthereof due to the interaction of the annulus 316 and compression collar324. This imparts a spring bias between the annulus 316 and compressioncollar 324 in a manner similar to that described with fastener 10.

The fasteners disclosed herein may be a metallic fastener, or,alternatively, in one or more embodiments, may be polymer or compositebased. The fasteners may take many appropriately configured lengths,widths, shapes, or other dimensions.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a nut 412 devoid of a cutout section asillustrated in one or more embodiments of a nut illustrated herein. Thenut 412 may include the annulus 416 and shoulder 430 for engaging with acompression collar. The nut 412 may further define an internallythreaded portion 414.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a nut 512 having a cutout section asillustrated in one or more embodiments of a nut illustrated herein. Thenut 512 may include the annulus 516 and shoulder 530 for engaging with acompression collar. A cutout section 534 generally comprising a slotlongitudinally extending from about the shoulder 530 may be defined inthe annulus 516. The nut 512 may further define an internally threadedportion 514.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a nut 612 having a cutout section asillustrated in one or more embodiments of a nut illustrated herein. Thenut 612 may include the annulus 616 and shoulder 630 for engaging with acompression collar. A cutout section 634 generally comprising acircumferentially extending slot may defined in the annulus 616. The nut612 may further define an internally threaded portion 614.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a nut 712 having a cutout section asillustrated in one or more embodiments of a nut illustrated herein. Thenut 712 may include the annulus 716 and shoulder 730 for engaging with acompression collar. A cutout section 734 generally comprising aplurality of circumferentially spaced-apart apertures may be defined inthe annulus 716. The nut 712 may further define an internally threadedportion 714.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C illustrate a fastener assembly being installedabout a working device according to one or more embodiments.Specifically, the working device is shown as a tire and wheel assemblyin which a threaded shank 820, such as a wheel stud, extends from a hub(not illustrated) through the wheel assembly 801 and receives fastener812. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the fastener assembly 812 isspaced-apart from the threaded shank 820. An enlarged, partial view isillustrated in FIG. 16B. As illustrated in FIG. 16C, the fastenerassembly 812 such that annulus 816 is received within a recess of thewheel assembly 801. The recess of the wheel assembly 801 is configuredto have a dimensional characteristic such that as the fastener assembly812 is tightened and the annulus extends into the recess, aninterference fit compresses the annulus 816 inwardly in a manner similarto fastener 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 illustrates a fastener assembly 910 according to one or moreembodiments. The fastener assembly 910 includes a bolt 918 having athreaded shank 922 extending therefrom. A washer assembly 924 isprovided between the bolt 918 and working surface. An annulus 916 mayextend from the washer 924 and is configured for being receiving withina blind hole of the working surface. Tightening of the bolt 918 causesflexing of annulus 916 within the blind hole, thus providing a biasingforce that retards vibrational forces.

FIG. 18 illustrates a fastener assembly 1010 according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein. The fastener assembly 1010 includes a bolt1018 having a threaded shank 1022 extending therefrom. A washer assembly1024 is provided in communication with a nut assembly 1020. The washerassembly 1024 may include an annulus 1016 extending therefrom that isconfigured for being receiving within a recess of nut assembly 1020.Tightening of the bolt 1018 and nut assembly 1020 causes flexing ofannulus 1016 within the blind hole, thus providing a biasing force thatretards vibrational forces.

FIG. 19 illustrates a fastener assembly 1110 according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein. The fastener assembly 1110 includes a bolt1118 having a threaded shank 1122 extending therefrom. A washer assembly1124 is provided in communication with a nut assembly 1120. The washerassembly 1124 may include an annulus 1116 extending therefrom that isconfigured for being receiving within a recess of nut assembly 1120.Annulus 1116 may further define a flange 1121 that is configured forretaining washer assembly 1124 about the nut assembly 1120. Tighteningof the bolt 1118 and nut assembly 1120 causes flexing of annulus 1116within the recess, thus providing a biasing force that retardsvibrational forces.

FIG. 20 illustrates a fastener assembly 1210 according to one or moreembodiments disclosed herein. The fastener assembly 1210 includes a bolt1218 having a threaded shank 12122 extending therefrom. A washerassembly 1224 is provided in communication with a nut assembly 1220. Thewasher assembly 1224 may include an annulus 12116 extending therefromthat is configured for being receiving within a recess of nut assembly1220. Annulus 1216 may further define a flange 1221 that is configuredfor retaining washer assembly 1224 about the nut assembly 1220.Tightening of the bolt 1218 and nut assembly 1220 causes flexing ofannulus 1216 within the recess, thus providing a biasing force thatretards vibrational forces.

While the embodiments have been described in connection with thepreferred embodiments of the various Figures, it is to be understoodthat other similar embodiments may be used or modifications andadditions may be made to the described embodiment for performing thesame function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosedembodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rathershould be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appendedclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A fastener assembly comprising: a nut having aninternally threaded portion; an annulus extending from the nut andconfigured for receiving the shank of an elongate fastener; and acompression collar configured for deflecting the annulus into fixedengagement with the shank upon tightening of the nut about a workingsurface.